Asterocampa celtis

Medium-sized butterfly with wingspan of 35–50 mm. Upper wing surface brown with orange to tawny bands and spots; forewing has distinct eyespot near apex. Underwing surface cryptic brown with complex mottled pattern. Distinguished from similar Asterocampa species by wing pattern details and geographic range; A. clyton (Tawny Emperor) has more uniformly orange upper wings and reduced eyespots. Adults have reduced front legs typical of Nymphalidae.

Deciduous woodlands, riparian corridors, and urban areas where hackberry trees (Celtis occidentalis and related species) occur. Found in both mature forests and disturbed habitats including parks and suburban neighborhoods.

Eastern and central North America from southern Canada (Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec) through the eastern United States west to Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Absent from most of the Rocky Mountain region and Pacific coast.

Adults active from late spring through early fall, with peak activity in summer months. Multiple broods per year in southern portions of range; fewer in north. Overwinters as egg or early instar larva.

Larvae feed exclusively on foliage of hackberry trees (Celtis spp.), including Celtis occidentalis, C. laevigata, and C. reticulata. Adults feed on tree sap, rotting fruit, dung, carrion, and human sweat; rarely visit flowers.

• Celtis occidentalis - host plantprimary host; foliage consumed by larvae
• Celtis laevigata - host plantsouthern hackberry, larval host
• Celtis reticulata - host plantnet-leaved hackberry, western host population

Eggs laid singly or in small clusters on hackberry leaves or twigs. Larvae hatch and feed on host foliage, developing through five instars. Pupation occurs in leaf litter or on tree trunk. Multiple generations per year in southern range; partial second generation in north. Overwintering stage varies geographically.

Adults exhibit rapid, darting flight and frequently perch on tree trunks, branches, or the ground with wings closed. Notably attracted to human sweat and will readily land on people to feed. Males establish territories and perch on prominent surfaces awaiting females. Adults rarely nectar at flowers, preferring sap flows, rotting fruit, and other non-floral sources.

Larval herbivore on hackberry trees; minor defoliator with limited economic or ecological impact. Adults serve as prey for various predators including robber flies (Asilidae), birds, and other insectivores.

Occasional nuisance in urban areas due to habit of landing on humans to feed on sweat. Not a significant agricultural pest. Sometimes encountered in butterfly gardens and nature observation.

• Asterocampa clytonTawny Emperor; similar size and habitat but with more uniformly orange upper wings, reduced eyespots, and more restricted eastern distribution
• Asterocampa leiliaEmpress Leilia; southwestern species with more extensive orange on wings and different host plant associations

• butterfly
• Nymphalidae
• hackberry
• Celtis
• North America
• woodland
• sap feeder
• human-associated behavior

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Eumastacidae | Beetles In The Bush